We know there’s the small matter of Halloween to get through first, but Christmas is always here before we know it, and if you’re looking to start filling the last few weeks of your 2025 diaries with festive events, make sure you include a visit or two to the Palm House this December.

We have announced another incredible programme of events to suit young minds, party animals, super shoppers, festive foodies and music lovers alike. From story time with Father Christmas to party time with friends and colleagues, Christmas at the Palm House is something really special.

With sparkly lights a plenty, events at the Palm House are always a set against the most beautiful backdrop, but we take things up a notch at Christmas. We have worked with our local partners to put together a programme of wonderful free events, along with some not-to-be-missed ticketed events, including our Christmas Party Nights (12 & 19 December) and Disco Night (13 December) and musical evenings with a variety of renowned choirs. We also have our Festive Afternoon Tea (14 December) and the Little Frost Fair (20 & 21 December), which is taking place the weekend before Christmas – the perfect time to shop for some last-minute gifts while soaking up the Christmas spirit and indulging in some festive food and drink.

As a charity, buying tickets to any paid for event supports the free community programme, the preservation of the botanical collection and keeping the building open and accessible year-round, for free. More importantly, at this time of year, it also means that we can invite children and families to join Father Christmas for our free Story Time events (7 & 23 December), allowing those who might not be able to afford expensive Christmas experiences to create memories to cherish for years to come.

If you’re not ready to talk Christmas yet – that’s ok – just don’t forget that plants, cuppas and cake are on sale all year round for the perfect gift of self-care to you or someone who needs it most.

For more information on what’s going on this festive season at the Palm House, visit www.palmhouse.org.uk/whats-on/

Kate Martinez, Head of Communities & Visitors